Detecting clock synchronization attacks with pseudo-randomization of frames in the protected window

Abstract

Systems and methods to detect attacks on the clocks of devices in time sensitive networks are described. Particularly, the disclosed systems and methods provide detection and mitigation of timing synchronization attacks based on pseudo-random numbers generated and used to select and authenticate timing of transmission of messages in protected transmission windows.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A computing-implemented method, comprising:
 generating a pseudo-random number (PRN); and 
 transmitting a message during a protected transmission window of a data stream based on the PRN and a time buffer (TB), a plurality of switching nodes communicating via the data stream, wherein a one of the plurality of switching nodes can independently generate the PRN. 
 
     
     
       2. The computing-implemented method of  claim 1 , transmitting the message during the protected transmission window of the data stream based on the PRN comprising:
 identifying a delay time (DT) of a plurality of DTs based on the PRN; and 
 initiating, at the DT of the plurality of DTs, transmission of the message during the protected transmission window. 
 
     
     
       3. The computing-implemented method of  claim 1 , transmitting the message during the protected transmission window of the data stream based on the PRN comprising:
 identifying the TB of a plurality of TBs based on the PRN; and 
 transmitting the message during the protected transmission window such that the message transmission ends at the TB of the plurality of TBs. 
 
     
     
       4. The computing-implemented method of  claim 3 , transmitting the message during the protected transmission window such that the message transmission ends at the TB of the plurality of TBs comprising inserting extra bits into the message. 
     
     
       5. The computing-implemented method of  claim 4 , wherein the extra bits are a random sequence of bits based on the PRN. 
     
     
       6. The computing-implemented method of  claim 1 , wherein the data stream is established in accordance with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.1AS and/or 802.1Qbv standards. 
     
     
       7. A computing apparatus comprising: a processor; and
 a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, configure the apparatus to: 
 generate a pseudo-random number (PRN); and 
 transmit a message during a protected transmission window of a data stream based on the PRN and a time buffer (TB), a plurality of switching nodes communicating via the data stream, wherein a one of the plurality of switching nodes can independently generate the PRN. 
 
     
     
       8. The computing apparatus of  claim 7 , the instructions when executed by the processor configure the apparatus to:
 identify a delay time (DT) of a plurality of DTs based on the PRN; and 
 initiate, at the DT of the plurality of DTs, transmission of the message during the protected window. 
 
     
     
       9. The computing apparatus of  claim 7 , the instructions when executed by the processor configure the apparatus to:
 identify the TB of a plurality of TBs based on the PRN; and 
 transmit the message during the protected transmission window such that the message transmission ends at the TB of the plurality of TBs. 
 
     
     
       10. The computing apparatus of  claim 9 , the instructions when executed by the processor configure the apparatus to insert extra bits into the message. 
     
     
       11. The computing apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the extra bits are a random sequence of bits based on the PRN. 
     
     
       12. The computing apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein the data stream is established in accordance with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.1AS and/or 802.1Qbv standards. 
     
     
       13. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, the computer-readable storage medium including instructions that when executed by circuitry of a computer, cause the computer to:
 generate a pseudo-random number (PRN); and 
 transmit a message during a protected transmission window of a data stream based on the PRN and a time buffer (TB), a plurality of switching nodes communicating via the data stream, wherein a one of the plurality of switching nodes can independently generate the PRN. 
 
     
     
       14. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of  claim 13 , the instructions when executed by the circuitry of the computer cause the computer to:
 identify a delay time (DT) of a plurality of DTs based on the PRN; and 
 initiate, at the DT of the plurality of DTs, transmission of the message during the protected transmission window. 
 
     
     
       15. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of  claim 13 , the instructions when executed by the circuitry of the computer cause the computer to:
 identify the TB of a plurality of TBs based on the PRN; and 
 transmit the message during the protected transmission window such that the message transmission ends at the TB of the plurality of TBs. 
 
     
     
       16. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of  claim 13 , the instructions when executed by the circuitry of the computer cause the computer to insert extra bits into the message. 
     
     
       17. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of  claim 16 , wherein the extra bits are a random sequence of bits based on the PRN. 
     
     
       18. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of  claim 13 , wherein the data stream is established in accordance with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.1AS and/or 802.1Qbv standards.